Purpose of Award

To recognize and encourage high quality scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL) work at Illinois State University and in the discipline beyond our institution that contributes to the SoTL field, the SoTL body of knowledge, improved teaching, and enhanced student learning. This award contributes to the external, positive reputation for SoTL work at ISU and supports Educating Illinois’ efforts toward“promoting the highest academic standards in our teaching, scholarship…,” occupying “a unique position of strength and visibility among institutions,” and values of “pursuit of learning and scholarship,” “individualized attention,” and “public opportunity.”

Eligibility

SoTL at ISU is defined as evidence-informed and systematic reflection or research on the teaching and learning of our students that is made public. This award focuses on SoTL efforts and will not be awarded for traditional, disciplinary scholarship that is not SoTL-oriented. All faculty members and academic staff at ISU are eligible for this award.

Selection Criteria

Recognizing that a cluster of SoTL contributions may be equal to that of one outstanding project, this award allows a broad application of the following criteria:

Evidence of high quality SoTL work, which can include (but is not limited to) presentations, publications, creative representations, mentoring peers/students in SoTL, and/or service to SoTL at or beyond ISU.

Evidence that own SoTL work has influenced the teaching work of the applicant or of others at or beyond ISU.

Selection Process and Time Frame

The Cross Endowed Chair in SoTL chairs the award selection committee. The committee reviews the application materials (see below) using the selection criteria above, and selects up to one recipient each year. The award is administered through the Cross Chair in SoTL and the Office of the Provost. The award recipient will be announced in time for the 2018 University-Wide Teaching & Learning Symposium and Founders Day.

Application Materials

Required Elements of Application

A narrative summary of SoTL projects, internal or external funding, presentations, publications, videos, web representations, and related professional service that provides a context for the SoTL work of the applicant.

A reflective statement about the nature and field of SoTL, the place of the applicant’s SoTL work in his/her discipline and/or within the cross-disciplinary SoTL movement, and the impact of his/her work on own/others teaching and learning at ISU and beyond (including any evidence for impact).

Copies of selected SoTL products (publications, presentations, etc.).

Current curriculum vita, highlighting contributions to SoTL at and beyond ISU.

Internal letters of support from at least two colleagues or administrators at ISU.

Recognition and Obligations for Award Recipient

The award recipient will give an address about their SoTL work, open to all faculty, staff, and students following receipt of the award.

Submission of Applications

All award applications should be prepared and submitted to Jennifer Friberg, Cross Endowed Chair in SoTL, in one of two formats no later than 4pm on Monday, November 13, 2017:

In hard copy format, with all required/optional elements of the application printed and organized in a three-ring binder (or similar). Hard copy applications should be delivered to the ITDC building, Room 120 for submission.

In electronic format, with all required/optional elements of the application saved as individual PDF documents with clear labels for each document (e.g., APPLICANT LAST NAME - Vita). Electronic applications should attached within one email message to jfribe@ilstu.edu for submission.